Don't panic!

Note: This blog is for learners at all levels, so if you are a beginner or intermediate, it is best to translate the text to your own language.

How many times have you wanted to say something in English but the words just don’t come, or maybe you start talking in a mixture of your first language and English, or other languages? After this, particularly if it happens several times, it's easy to panic or to start doubting yourself.

The thing is, this happens to almost everyone, for a variety of reasons. When you learn another language, there can be several barriers that can make you feel like your English isn’t good enough. For example, the individual sounds (phonemes) can be very different to the ones in your first language, and so it’s hard to form those sounds out loud, especially if you’re pressurising yourself to get it right. Word order can also slow you down. If you’re thinking about which words to put where, it is normal that it will take time. And how about just trying to remember the right vocabulary, tense, or grammar structure at the right time? Not easy. Add to this that some people may be impatient with you and/or try to finish the sentence for you, and it can seem like a bit of an uphill struggle. So, let’s tackle these issues one by one.

Different sounds (phonemes)

Firstly, as I’ve said in previous blogs, your accent does not have to be perfect, or anywhere near it. If you can be understood, that’s all that matters - really. It is no doubt an amazing feeling and a real confidence booster to know that you have a good accent, but it’s not essential.  It’s also worth reminding yourself that it  normally takes a lot (and sometimes years) of practise to achieve a really good accent – so be patient with yourself. I must add that sometimes, there are phonemes that you might find are physically impossible. For example, no matter how hard I try, my tongue just cannot make the long trilled ‘r’ sound that’s used in Spanish and other languages. So my advice would be to forget achieving a ‘perfect’ accent and aim to be understood.

Word order

Personally, as a Dutch learner this is my biggest problem. The second I start thinking about word order, I am able to say almost nothing. But it’s a vicious circle because if I don’t keep speaking (and listening, reading, and writing…) it will remain difficult to know which words go where. But there is good news: the more practise you get, the more instinctively the word order will come. You’ll no longer have to think about where in the sentence to put each word…it will flow naturally.

Listening attentively to English first-language speakers and reading as much as possible in English can also really help.

Vocabulary and grammar

I hate to say it, but again, it’s mostly a question of practise, practise, practise. As with word order, speak, listen, read, write sentences…!

Two important things to remember about learning vocabulary:

Don’t try to learn too much at once! Learn a few words a day (up to 20) and keep going back over the vocabulary you’ve learnt already, so that you don’t forget it. This can be very boring, so again, try doing things like writing your own sentences or stories using as much as possible of the vocabulary you’re learning.

Try to not look up every single word in a dictionary when you’re reading or listening. Often, the meaning of the word will become clear according to the context. However, If the word keeps coming up and it’s really getting in the way of understanding, then it’s worth looking it up.

Impatient people

For me, this is the most difficult one. Sometimes when I’m speaking French or attempting Dutch, the moment someone gets impatient with me (or worse switches to English!), my brain gets completely scrambled and I can’t think of anything to say. I try not to get stressed about it and would give the same advice to you…but I know it’s easier said than done! Try to also remember that if someone is impatient, it says more about them than it does about you. Maybe they’ve just had a bad day! So carry on regardless, as my grandma used to say.

Asking for advice

If you’re not sure about something, don’t be afraid to check! Either using a good English language website or reference book, in a good dictionary or with someone you trust. Even when you are at advanced level, checking is not a sign of weakness. It’s a sign of wanting to be the best you can be, and not feeling you have to know everything or be perfect…Because nobody does and nobody is.

Golden Rules

In short, learning English, just like learning any other language, is not straightforward and it takes time. Here are my golden rules for not panicking about your abilities and maybe even enjoying the learning process:

1. Do your best. It is good enough, and very likely much better than you think.
2. Remember everything does not have to be perfect.
3. Practise as much as you can.
4. Don’t let impatient people demotivate you.
5. Don’t be afraid to check.

The moral of the story here is that we all have room to learn. So go out there and do your best. Above all, be patient with yourself and…don’t panic!